USA TODAY Sports: Arizona State gets a chance to make another statement with trip to rival Arizona

Scott Gleeson writes: "That Arizona technically is the underdog is statement in itself for Arizona State, considering Sean Miller’s Wildcats were discussed as a preseason No. 1 and Final Four contender before struggling early in 2017-18. The shift in the narrative signals ASU’s rise more than anything. Heading into the season the Sun Devils were considered a bubble team at best. As things stand now, they would be in contention for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament."

Salt Lake Tribune: Arizona State is the Pac-12 men’s basketball success story as league play gets under way

Kurt Kragthorpe writes: "Arizona State features some of the same basketball players who produced 10 points in the first half of a game at Utah two seasons ago. The Sun Devils suddenly look a lot different. They’ve become the Pac-12′s biggest story of the first two months of the 2017-18 season, taking a 12-0 record and a No. 3 ranking into a showcase game at No. 17 Arizona as they begin conference play Saturday. ASU is averaging 91.8 points and winning by 20.1 points. That’s impressive stuff for a team picked to finish sixth in the Pac-12′s official media poll."

CBS Sports: Arizona State can prove itself in Pac-12 opener at Arizona

Gary Parrish writes: "Arizona State started the season ranked 100th at KenPom and projected to finish sixth in the Pac-12. And yet here we are, on the eve of New Year's Eve, and the Sun Devils are 12-0 with double-digit wins over Xavier and Kansas. It's a resume so impressive Bobby Hurley's team is currently getting first-place votes in the Associated Press poll. ASU's Pac-12 opener is Saturday night. It's at Arizona. And it should be an electric atmosphere at the McKale Center -- not to mention another opportunity for the Sun Devils to prove there's nothing fluky about their incredible start to this season. Obviously, at home, Arizona is favored to win. But if ASU somehow pulls off the upset the Sun Devils would enter the 2018 calendar with four top-40 KenPom victories and true road wins at Kansas and Arizona, which would double as the nation's best resume and make any talk of a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament reasonable."

Dan Murphy writes: "Arizona State’s jump from back-to-back 15-win seasons to a team that is averaging 91.8 points per game has been fueled by increased depth, especially in the front court. A triad of veteran guards -- Tra Holder, Shannon Evans and Kodi Justice -- might be the heart and soul of this team, but help from some big men up front has given them the space they need to take a major step forward this year."

Game Day: Arizona State basketball has gotten thumped in its last 7 trips to McKale Center. This time, however, the Sun Devils arrive with a different confidence. https://t.co/qo6tAf2AZ9

SI.com: Arizona-Arizona State Leads Opening Weekend of Conference Play

Michael Beller writes: "That one of these teams is ranked third in the country is not a surprise. The identity of that third-ranked team, however, is. Will a trip to Tucson finally prove to be the end of Arizona State’s unbeaten season? The bet here is yes. The Wildcats have righted the ship after three straight losses around Thanksgiving, winning their last seven games, including an impressive three-point victory over Texas A&M. Tra Holder and Shannon Evans will be a handful for the Wildcats, but the can counteract that scoring with the efficiency of Deandre Ayton, Allonzo Trier and Dusan Ristic."

"We've had a couple of tough years in the Pac-12," Bobby Hurley said Thursday. "You've got to reflect on that before you start this season and remember back." https://t.co/amZoe894Xp

Scott Wolf writes: "The feel-good story of the nation has to be Arizona State. Let’s just hope it lasts through the Pac-12 season. The Pac-12 certainly owes the Sun Devils, who have four of the conference’s nine wins over top-50 schools. 'They’re not 12-0 because they’re lucky,' Arizona coach Sean Miller said. 'If the NCAA Tournament would start today, they’re right there as a No. 1 seed.' Said Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley: 'You just hope what we’ve done in nonconference that that prepares you. Everything happened really fast. Time has flown by and the season’s flown by. I talked about us going from 0 to 100. We were a program not many people talked about.'"

Pac-12 basketball preview: The favorite, the challenger, a dark horse and how the postseason awards might shape up. https://t.co/IKDbmg1Rva

Andy Katz writes: "The Game of the Day is Arizona State at Arizona (9 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network). Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley said on the NCAA.com podcast March Madness 365 that this would be the toughest game to date for the Sun Devils. That’s saying something after ASU already played Xavier and Kansas. How the Sun Devils handle Deandre Ayton inside will be a major factor. But how Arizona defends the free-flowing, unconscious shooting of the guards will be the deciding factor. Hurley said he is not worried when the Sun Devils get down by double figures. The Sun Devils' guards, led by Tra Holder and Shannon Evans, show no fear about shooting themselves back into the game. They want to push it. This should be one of the best games of the conference season — in any conference. The best news is that they play twice."

tucson.com: Wildcats-Sun Devils Pac-12 opener is big ... but it is still December

Bruce Pascoe writes: "When Arizona hosts ASU Saturday at McKale Center, it’ll be the first time the instate rivals have played when both are ranked since 1994-95, and a historically reverse matchup at that: ASU is the big boy at No. 3, while UA is climbing back up the polls at No. 17. The matchup provides a glaring contrast in skillsets, too: ASU will put its “Guard U” aggressiveness and efficiency against Arizona’s combination of size and power. And the coaches? Both were highly regarded college point guards themselves: ASU’s Bobby Hurley and UA’s Sean Miller. All this is true. So it’s big."

sbnation: Arizona State is college basketball's version of the Houston Rockets

Ricky O'Donnell writes: "Mike D’Antoni was once considered a maverick for his smallball, threes-and-layups approach. Now it’s how NBA basketball is played almost exclusively, and it’s becoming increasing popular at the college level, too. This is the secret to Bobby Hurley’s remarkable turnaround of the program as much as anything else."

Jeff Boozell writes: "Arizona State’s record speaks for itself, but the advanced stats don’t love the Sun Devils as much as the AP Poll does. Why? Because ASU has the No. 127 defense in America – the offense is ranked fifth, and that’s clearly been the reason for their surge."

Lindsay Schnell writes: "Quick, name a team that has two more impressive wins than the Sun Devils, who thumped Xavier on a neutral floor, then stunned Kansas in Lawrence (Arizona State beat Vanderbilt on Sunday and is 10-0 for the first time). You can’t, can you? Neither can we. Bobby Hurley’s group has been outstanding, led by senior guard Tra Holder (21.2 ppg, 5.6 rebounds per game, 5.2 apg). Four ASU players average in double figures, and the Sun Devils hit on 42.7% of their attempts from three (they shoot almost 24 a game). Arizona State went from unranked in the preseason to No. 6. The Pac-12 is all over the place in non-conference play, which means the Sun Devils have as good a chance as anyone to finish in the top third of the conference and secure their first NCAA tournament bid since 2014."

ASU has something special going. Really proud of the program this season. Big time by coach Hurley and Company. Season is young. Have to keep working!! #GoDevils

Connor Muldowney writes: "Arizona State is the surprise team of college basketball. I know I’ve said that about both Florida State and Oklahoma, but the Sun Devils came out of nowhere and have really put their mark on the season. They’ve gone from unranked to No. 16 to No. 5 and likely top-four this week thanks to a Wichita State loss. What a rise in the polls, but Tra Holder and the Sun Devils are playing at a high level and they took care of Vanderbilt in Week 6."

Bleacher Report: How Former Duke Legend Bobby Hurley Has Become CBB's Hottest New Coach

C.J. Moore writes: "Bobby Hurley is once again running the best show in college basketball. He was there at Duke when Mike Krzyzewski finally pushed through and won a national championship in 1991 and for the repeat in 1992. Now the NCAA's all-time assist leader is pulling the strings on the sidelines at Arizona State. Sorry, that's fifth-ranked Arizona State."

AP: Arizona State rising fast beyond the desert in Bobby Hurley's third year

John Marshall writes: "The Sun Devils were projected to be at the middle of the Pac-12, picked to finish sixth. The big jump was supposed to be next season, when a trio of transfers will be eligible and could possibly lead the Sun Devils to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2014. This breakneck band of Devils spun the narrative forward a year early. Playing with a confidence bordering on cocky and with an offensive freedom afforded them by their coach, the Sun Devils have pushed their way into the national spotlight."

Justin Spears writes: "If someone were to walk into a room before the college basketball season started and asked a group of people if they thought Arizona State would be undefeated with a more-than-likely chance of cracking the AP top 10 for the first time since 1981 — maybe even top five — while the team down in Tucson is still figuring things out, what would be the response? Depends on who's answering, but most likely slim-to-none."

Best ASU win since - and this will date me - a victory over No. 1 Oregon State on the road in 1981. Bobby Hurley doing what I thought might never be possible at ASU. Amazing coaching job

theathletic.com: After a long, hard run, Bobby Hurley and Arizona State are seeing the results

Dana O'Neil writes: "Sunday was, as Dan Hurley calls it, a “twoer.’’ That’s a two-conversation day for those unfamiliar with the Hurley parlance. Bobby, the big brother, called the first time before his Arizona State team played Kansas, mentioning the line of fans waiting to get into Allen Fieldhouse two hours before tipoff."

Dan Bickley writes: "They play fast and loose and are fun to watch. Hurley is proving that his impact as a basketball coach might eventually surpass his legacy as a player. He’s delivering exactly what his bosses want from the football program."

Bobby Hurley is the early favorite for National Coach of the Year. And it isn't close. Guy has made Arizona State a national player. Sun Devils are appointment TV.

Andy Katz writes: "The Sun Devils certainly look the part as a Pac-12 favorite — something not sure anyone would have written a month ago."

Well looks like we all had the wrong Arizona school as the @pac12 favorite. @SunDevilHoops has a squad and put a second-half beat down on @XavierMBB. Tra Holder put up a 40 spot. Shannon Evans 22. Squad had 13 3s. Bobby Hurley has the Sun Devils scorching hot. @marchmadness

theathletic.com: Arizona State should scare everyone else in the conference

Sam Vecenie writes: "Arizona State is out to the hottest start of any team in the Pac-12, having gone to the Las Vegas Invitational and defeated Xavier and Kansas State over the Thanksgiving holiday to move to 6-0. That’s the program’s best start since 2013-14, but more importantly it’s the most energized the program has been since James Harden left in 2009."

Hurley already has accomplished something significant this season: He has people talking about ASU basketball. #relevant

Jon Rothstein writes: "The Sun Devils had everything aligned to be an NCAA Tournament team in 2019, when a trio of transfers — Rob Edwards (Cleveland State), Carlton Bragg (Kansas), and Zylan Cheatham (San Diego State) — became eligible, along with the addition of a 5-star freshman in 6-5 shooting guard Luguentz Dort. Their head coach had other ideas. Bobby Hurley is a lot of things, and patient definitely isn’t of them. His relentlessness is now wearing off on his team."

Bobby Hurley has Arizona State a year ahead of schedule. Sun Devils look NCAA good. And Mickey Mitchell and Kimani Lawrence have yet to play.

Mar 14, 2018: Syracuse Orange guard Tyus Battle (25) goes to the basket defend by Arizona State Sun Devils forward De'Quon Lake (35) in the second half during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports

Mickey Mitchell and Romello White of Arizona State battle for the ball with Paschal Chukwu of Syracuse during their First Four game in the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 14, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. Joe RobbinS/Getty Images

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) reacts to losing game against the Syracuse Orange during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) shoots a free throw in the second half against the Syracuse Orange during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: Syracuse Orange forward Oshae Brissett (11) attempts to stop a shot from Arizona State Sun Devils forward Mickey Mitchell (3) in the second half during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Romello White (23) dunks the ball in the second half against the Syracuse Orange during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Mickey Mitchell (3) hangs from the basket in the first half against the Syracuse Orange during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: Syracuse Orange guard Frank Howard (23) goes to the basket in the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: General view of the court at tip off in the first half in the game between the Syracuse Orange and the Arizona State Sun Devils during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley argues a call with the referee during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley argues a call with the referee during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley argues a call with the referee during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Remy Martin (1) goes up for a layup while being guarded by Stanford Cardinal forward Kezie Okpala (0) during a men's basketball game at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) reacts after shooting a 3-point shot during a men's basketball game against the Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) reacts after shooting a 3-point shot during a men's basketball game against the Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) loses his shoe during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley talks to his team during timeout in a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Remy Martin (1) celebrates a basket during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley reacts after a call during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley, center, disagrees with a call in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore., Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Timothy J. Gonzalez) Timothy J. Gonzelez, AP

Oregon head basketball coach Dana Altman encourages his team from the sidelines during the second half of their NCAA college basketball game against Arizona State Thursday Feb. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore. Chris Pietsch/AP

Oregon's Elijah Brown, left, reaches for the ball held by Arizona State's Shannon Evans II during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore. Chris Pietsch/AP

Oregon's Payton Pritchard, left, passes as he falls under pressure from Arizona State's Shannon Evans II during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore. Chris Pietsch/AP

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) reacts to his team losing late during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) points to his head after hitting a three pointer during the second half at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) reacts to the team being down during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) celebrates with the fans during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) enters the court through the fans before a game against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) goes up for a layup while being guarded by Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) during a men's basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 15, 2018. #asu basketball Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley argues a call with the referee during a men's basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 15, 2018. #asu basketball Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) looks up at the scoreboard near the end of the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic